Marriage counsel

I wish I had reviewed this book when I first rated it one star. If I could rate it lower I would. The author has been labeled a heretic by his own denomination. Please see http://flockalert.wordpress.com/2009/06/19/what-is-the-federal-vision-is-it-here...


In addition the author co-wrote a book dealing with the civil war that was roundly condemned for horrible and sloppy citations. While it was probably more lazy than malicious this is unacceptable for someone trying to write history. The publishing company ceased publishing it when this became apparent.

I have read the above book and found several things I disagreed with strongly. However, I do not have the book any longer and cannot recall exactly what I had issues with. I recommend that people seek other books written by people that do not have the theological issues that Douglas Wilson has. ( )

This book provides helpful insight into a godly way of courtship in the modern world. At a mere 95 pages, it is a relatively thin book but the size is deceiving. Doug Wilson is an eloquent and persuasive writer who wastes no words and shares godly advices on: preparing for courtship, qualities to consider in a mate, things to consider that would affect the relationship in marriage, criteria and principles of courtship, the parents' authority, etc.

The appendix titled "The Garden" (a story of a girl "tending her own garden") is brilliantly written! It is an allegory that powerfully illustrates the significance or virtue of purity, and compellingly encourages readers to keep themselves pure prior to marriage.

Some may believe not everything in this book is practical (especially if the parents are non-Christians or perhaps refuse to participate). While that may be true, I think the main thrust and focus of this book should really be more on principles rather than following a one-size-fits-all method of application, and as such there's much that can be gleaned from the book.

Note: This review reflects my opinions only toward this book, and not necessarily my agreement with the author's views on theological issues like "baptismal regeneration," "federal vision," etc. ( )